Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland’s hero after making a decisive penalty save to inspire a 4-3 shootout victory over Colombia following a goalless draw, sending the Swiss into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
The Round of 16 encounter ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough despite several promising opportunities.
Kobel proved the difference in the penalty shootout, denying Colombia forward Cucho Hernández after both teams had exchanged early misses.
The shootout began dramatically as Colombia defender Davinson Sánchez struck the underside of the crossbar with his effort. Switzerland, however, failed to capitalize immediately when Manuel Akanji fired his penalty over the bar.
Kobel then produced the match-winning moment by saving Hernández’s spot-kick before Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas all converted to complete Switzerland’s 4-3 victory on penalties.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout normal and extra time in a tightly contested affair.
Colombia came closest to breaking the deadlock when Sánchez’s defensive partner, Jhon Lucumí, headed against the crossbar from a corner during normal time.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz also tested Kobel with a powerful long-range effort in extra time before missing Colombia’s best opportunity to avoid penalties, curling his shot over the crossbar after a defensive error by Xhaka.
The miss proved costly as Colombia suffered another painful World Cup penalty shootout defeat, repeating their Round of 16 exit to England in 2018.
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina national football team in the quarterfinals at Kansas City Stadium as they continue their historic World Cup campaign.
